This last day of September, I realize that my blogs for National Preparedness Month have been few and far between. For that, I apologize. I do hope you have gained useful and timely information from the blogs that were posted.
One area of preparedness that we might neglect is our computers. We have become so dependent upon these machines that it is important to keep them "tuned up" much like we would a automobile.
A week ago today, my computer decided to have a total meltdown, or a total breakdown if I am to continue with the automotive metaphor. I had gotten a little lax about backing up my data, but anything important was saved and most of the pieces are back together again.
The lesson to be learned is to backup often, use proper security precautions and to keep software up to date. The other lesson to be learned is to let go of those things that were lost and keep on going. Nothing is forever.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Multitasking
These days folks like to brag about how busy they are and how much they multitask. I am not a fan of multitasking. In my experience, multitasking is inefficient and just leads to doing several things poorly. I would rather take my time and excel at the task at hand.
Last week Jared Sandberg's Wall Street Journal column "Cubicle Culture" tackled the subject of multitasking. I really enjoyed reading his column and have referred it to several clients. To read it click on: www.careerjournal.com and go to "Columnists" and "Cubicle Culture". The article is titled "Why Multitasking Doesn't Work."
Mr. Sandberg quoted scientific research that finds when multitasking the brain is slowed down and results suffer. There are some simple things that we can multitask at but more complex thinking requires our focus. So next time you think you need to multitask, take a deep breath, slow down and do one thing at a time.
Last week Jared Sandberg's Wall Street Journal column "Cubicle Culture" tackled the subject of multitasking. I really enjoyed reading his column and have referred it to several clients. To read it click on: www.careerjournal.com and go to "Columnists" and "Cubicle Culture". The article is titled "Why Multitasking Doesn't Work."
Mr. Sandberg quoted scientific research that finds when multitasking the brain is slowed down and results suffer. There are some simple things that we can multitask at but more complex thinking requires our focus. So next time you think you need to multitask, take a deep breath, slow down and do one thing at a time.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
National AD/HD Awareness Day
It recently came to my attention that next Wednesday, September 20th is National AD/HD Awareness Day. If you or someone you love has AD/HD you might benefit from two free seminars in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both are presented by Geri Markel, PhD, who has authored several books on the subject.
Defeating the Demons of Distraction will be presented in recognition of AD/HD Awareness Day on September 20th at 12 noon at The University of Michigan Union in the Pond Room. This talk is sponsored by the Office of Services for Disabilities.
Finding Your Focus: Navigating Adult ADHD will be presented at the Mallotts Creek Library on September 27 from 7 to 9 PM at 3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Defeating the Demons of Distraction will be presented in recognition of AD/HD Awareness Day on September 20th at 12 noon at The University of Michigan Union in the Pond Room. This talk is sponsored by the Office of Services for Disabilities.
Finding Your Focus: Navigating Adult ADHD will be presented at the Mallotts Creek Library on September 27 from 7 to 9 PM at 3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Pens for African Children
I have never been to Africa, but know friends and family that have. One of the most surprising things they shared from their travels was that the children in Africa will beg tourists to give them pens. A friend that spent some time teaching in Africa explained to me that they just do not have pens. Poverty is severe there.
Upon her return to Michigan from Africa a woman by the name of Jeanne Bolhuis (who I know through her mother) decided to do something about this and founded Pens for African Children. She works with Father Evans Njogu in Kenya to distribute the pens to those children who need them the most.
If you would like to donate your excess pens in working order, please ship them to Father Evans at the address below:
Fr. Evanson Njogu
P.O. Box 15523
20100 NAKURU
KENYA, EAST AFRICA
I have been in contact with Father Evans via e-mail and I know he and the children will be thankful for your generosity. Please let him know I sent you!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Labor Day
At Simply Organized Life our mission is to provide our clients with more time and space for the things that really matter in life. On this Labor Day weekend, I hope you have been able to spend some time on the the things that really matter to you. I know I have.
In our busy lives these days, it is easy to get wrapped up in the daily to-do lists and forget the big picture goals. We often feel so bogged down by the "stuff" of life instead of the living. As someone who likes to get things done and check off the items on my to-do list (probably more than the next person) I too can get wrapped up in the day to day. But I also know when it is time to turn off the computer and the phone and the Pocket PC and tidy up my desk in preparation of the next day's work.
Being organized has helped me (and my clients) minimize the time spent on the "stuff" of life and maximize the time spent on living. For example, this weekend my husband and I met up with an old friend and her new fiance. The evening was relaxing and enjoyable. I was able to be in the moment because the business stuff was taken care of well-enough for me to pick up later, the laundry was done, the house was clean and most importantly, the dog had been walked. The mundane was taken care of so we could leave the house early in a peaceful state of mind. I wish the same for you.
In our busy lives these days, it is easy to get wrapped up in the daily to-do lists and forget the big picture goals. We often feel so bogged down by the "stuff" of life instead of the living. As someone who likes to get things done and check off the items on my to-do list (probably more than the next person) I too can get wrapped up in the day to day. But I also know when it is time to turn off the computer and the phone and the Pocket PC and tidy up my desk in preparation of the next day's work.
Being organized has helped me (and my clients) minimize the time spent on the "stuff" of life and maximize the time spent on living. For example, this weekend my husband and I met up with an old friend and her new fiance. The evening was relaxing and enjoyable. I was able to be in the moment because the business stuff was taken care of well-enough for me to pick up later, the laundry was done, the house was clean and most importantly, the dog had been walked. The mundane was taken care of so we could leave the house early in a peaceful state of mind. I wish the same for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)